Peru: Biometric Appointment Delays Impact In-Country Initial Visa Applications
October 30, 2023
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At a Glance
- The high volume of regularization applications submitted by Venezuelan nationals currently in Peru has resulted in biometric appointment delays for other foreign nationals applying for in-country initial visas including Appointed Worker, Resident Worker, and Mercosur Visas.
- Foreign nationals applying for initial visas from within Peru, and their employers, should account for delays in work start dates for the next few months, as all in-country initial visa options involve submitting biometrics.
- Furthermore, foreign nationals who file their in-country initial visa application but cannot schedule a biometrics appointment will face travel restrictions, since Exit Permits (which are issued to foreign nationals with pending immigration applications to travel) are only issued after a biometrics appointment is scheduled.
The situation
Due to a high volume of regularization applications submitted by Venezuelan nationals in Peru, the National Superintendence of Immigration has stopped scheduling initial biometric appointments for November or December 2023 and has yet to open appointment slots for 2024. Typically, biometric appointments can be scheduled from one day to one week in advance.
Impact
- Processing delays. Foreign nationals applying for initial visas in Peru (including Appointed Worker, Resident Worker, and Mercosur Visas) during the next few months and their employers should account for delays in work start dates, as all in-country initial visa options involve the submission of biometrics during processing and before approval.
- Travel restrictions. Furthermore, foreign nationals who file their in-country initial visa application but cannot schedule a biometrics appointment will face travel restrictions, because Exit Permits (which are issued to foreign nationals with pending immigration applications to travel) are only issued after a biometrics appointment is scheduled. Foreign nationals leaving Peru without an Exit Permit could have their application cancelled.
Background
The appointment backlogs are likely derived from the high volume of immigration applications submitted by Venezuelan nationals in Peru as part of a new regularization phase launched by the government.
Looking ahead
It is not yet clear when the National Superintendence of Immigration will open more appointment slots or if it will open special slots for Venezuelan nationals to alleviate the backlog. Fragomen is actively monitoring the appointment system and contacting affected clients and will report on relevant updates as they occur.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
